Evolution of Telemedicine and Its Development in the Healthcare System of Kazakhstan

This article examines the evolution and current role of telemedicine as a digital innovation in healthcare with an emphasis on its integration into national healthcare systems. With the help of digital technologies, patients can receive consultations from doctors, undergo diagnostics and health monitoring remotely. Telemedicine, which provides remote interaction between patients and healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies, is becoming increasingly relevant due to the growing demand for affordable and cost-effective healthcare services. The study highlights the global interest in telemedicine, reflected in the growing number of academic publications indexed in Scopus for search terms such as “telemedicine and healthcare” and “telemedicine and services”. The paper focuses on the development of telemedicine in Kazakhstan, a country facing challenges related to rising healthcare costs. The study aims to examine the historical trajectory of telemedicine and assess its implementation in the healthcare system of Kazakhstan. Particular attention is paid to the functioning of the National Telemedicine Network (NTN), including the number of healthcare facilities connected to the system and the current scale of its deployment. The analysis also considers institutional and infrastructural aspects that influence the effectiveness of telemedicine integration, such as the availability of technical resources, human capital, and the regulatory framework. The study was limited by the lack of up-to-date and comprehensive data on telemedicine in Kazakhstan, making it difficult to analyze current developments and trends. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the importance of further investment in telemedicine as a strategic component of healthcare modernization in Kazakhstan.